Applications Engineer – Vision Systems
Application Engineer at OAL
📍 Location: Peterborough, PE2 6YN (Primary location - customers sites) | Up to £Competive (Subject to Experience) | Full-Time, Permanent
About the role
We’re looking for a practical, technically strong Application Engineer to help deploy the next generation of AI vision systems into UK food factories. You’ll work on high-speed production lines, implementing real-time image analysis solutions that detect, count, and verify products, replacing manual quality checks with powerful machine learning.
This is a hands-on role focused on applying AI to solve real production problems. You’ll help OAL deploy cutting-edge vision, contributing to some of the most innovative projects in the UK food industry.
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
Vision-Driven Innovation: Help deploy leading-edge vision solutions that improve food safety, quality, and traceability.
Autonomy with Support: Take ownership of your projects while collaborating with expert engineering teams.
Real Impact: This is not a lab job. Your systems will directly improve efficiency, reduce waste and solve complex food manufacturing challenges.
Your Role Will Involve
Designing and implementing machine vision inspection systems.
Running trials and developing proof-of-concepts to validate AI models for real-world conditions.
Programming and configuring PLCs and SCADA systems.
Installing, commissioning, and supporting automated solutions on customer sites across the UK.
Creating and maintaining clear documentation, including functional design specs and support manuals.
Acting as the technical liaison with customers during deployment and troubleshooting.
Supporting the wider automation team in delivering complete project solutions.
Conducting trials and feasibility studies for customer-specific vision requirements.
Benefits You’ll Enjoy
UK-wide travel.
Flexible Working: Find the balance with our flexible work arrangements.
Generous Holiday Package: Enjoy 25 days of holiday plus public holidays, with the option to buy/sell up to 5 days.
Company vehicle.
Pension Scheme: Plan for the future with our company pension scheme.
Peace of Mind: Feel secure with our death in service benefit.
Continuous Learning: We’ll cover your professional fees, supporting your career development.
Smart Health: Access a 24/7 online GP, mental health support, and wellbeing services anytime.
What We’re Looking For
Experience deploying machine vision or image analysis systems in an industrial or research setting.
Comfortable working with AI/ML platforms or deep learning vision tools
Hands-on engineering experience with automation or robotics systems.
Able to work on site, troubleshoot systems hands-on, and communicate clearly with operators and engineers.
Has over 5 years of experience in a similar role.
Full UK driving licence and happy to travel UK-wide (50%+ field-based).
About OAL
OAL helps food manufacturers automate. An innovative family business, based in Peterborough, the company provides automation and system integration services to food manufacturers. It’s a market leader for digital transformation, label and date code verification and robotic powder weighing. We're a growing SME offering fantastic opportunities in a fast-paced organisation. If you're ready to contribute to groundbreaking work in a supportive environment, we'd love to meet you.
